A LIFELONG fan of 70s crooner Tony Christie has been left high and dry following the veteran singer's change of fortune.

Neil Brookes, landlord of The Prince of Wales pub on West Street, Crewe, was hoping to book tickets for himself and his wife, Nora, to see Tony perform at the Victoria Hall in Hanley on April 14.

But after Tony's recent collaboration with comic Peter Kay for this year's Comic Relief, interest in the gig almost doubled overnight and now Neil has been left empty-handed.

Neil said: 'We didn't think the demand for tickets would have been so high.

'I kept putting it off thinking I would get one and I'm gutted now I haven't.'

When the gig was first announced six months ago, ticket sales were poor.

But since Tony's recent change in fortune and return

to the limelight, bosses at the theatre have been forced to put up the 'sold out' sign following a phenomenal surge in tickets sales.

Neil said: 'I have been running pubs for 10 years now and in every one I have played Tony Christie music in the background.

He last saw Tony at the former cabaret venue, Jollies in Longton, when he was famous first time round and was hoping for a repeat performance.

Neil added: 'When he walked on stage, it was like electric. He had a presence about him. People just wanted to stand and listen to him. And he was a real heart-throb for all the women there that night.'

The singer's classic hit (Is This The Way To) Amarillo? has topped the singles charts and his greatest hits album is currently number one.